Runners generate $4,500 to benefit Community Medical Care Center

Some 312 runners and walkers made the 22nd annual Mistletoe Trot 5K and 10K Race fundraiser a huge success—the biggest ever—in generating $4,500 to benefit the Community Medical Care Center in Leesburg, a not-for-profit medical clinic that offers free primary care, specialty care, and dental care for uninsured adults and children (ages three and up) with incomes below the federal poverty level.

John Bowers, manager of Wellness Services at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, was thrilled the Dec. 9 race around Silver Lake surpassed the $4,000 raised from the previous year.

“We got the word out,” John says, praising the efforts of the marketing staff.

“This is a good race and we’d really like the race to grow even more and become a signature race,” adds Bill Pfingsten, vice president of ambulatory services, who participated in the race. “I enjoyed the camaraderie, and being a runner, these types of races are always fun. It keeps growing every year, and a lot of people in Leesburg really enjoy the race. It’s nice to see the support for people in the community who really need medical services.”

The Community Medical Care Center’s team of volunteer health professionals, doctors and dentists see about 600 people a month, according to the center’s website. In addition to primary, specialty, and dental care, the center also offers chronic disease management to its patients.

During a check presentation this week, the center’s director Tammy Halsey said she was surprised and pleased by the $4,500 raised from the Mistletoe Trot.

“This is awesome. We have such wonderful support from the hospital, the foundation, and marketing,” she says. “We are so blessed.”

About the Author

Theresa Campbell

Originally from Anderson, Ind., Theresa worked for The Herald-Bulletin for many years. After experiencing a winter with 53 inches of snow, her late husband asked her to get a job in Florida, and they headed south. Well known in the area, Theresa worked with The Daily Sun and The Daily Commercial prior to joining Akers.
“I finally have my dream job. I’ve wanted to work for a magazine since I was a teenager, and I’m very excited to be here,” Theresa says. “There is such positive energy at Akers that it’s infectious.”
Theresa has three grown daughters—Julia lives in San Francisco, Emily is in Austin, Tex., and Maria is at the University of Central Florida.